Lessons and strategies for using the power of picture books to teach the elements of great writing in the upper grades

Picture books are perfect, mini-models of effective writing! With their sterling language and succinct stories, picture books serve as excellent examples of how literary elements work in narrative writing. Dozens of lessons show how to use them to teach mood, voice, character traits, theme, and other devices. Kids are eager to apply what they've discovered to their own writing, and the results are amazing. Includes lessons from all stages of the writing process for both fiction and memoir writing plus lists of recommended books.